Sudden Rise in Crime in Queens North Despite Past Safety

Queens North, once considered one of the safest parts of New York City, has experienced a dramatic 62% increase in murders this year, distinguishing it as the only NYPD command in all five boroughs with rising homicide rates. The area has seen 21 homicides compared to 13 during the same period last year.

The violence extends beyond homicides, with a 60% jump in shooting victims; this year, 31 individuals have been shot, up from 20 previously. Notably, a young woman was shot multiple times while fleeing into her home on 96th Street in Flushing, and a 19-year-old man was found dead from a gunshot in Forest Hills.

Among the most distressing cases is the murder of Dashanna Donovan, a 21-year-old who was shot and killed outside her home. Her mother believes she was targeted by an ex-boyfriend from South Carolina, who traveled to Queens to hunt her down. Her family described her as ending an abusive relationship, with her ex-beau allegedly returning to threaten her before the shooting. Police suspect him of fatally shooting her five times in a bathroom and fleeing the scene.

Another violent incident involved an illegal immigrant, Edwin Cruz-Gomez, who allegedly struck a teenager with his vehicle after making unwanted advances, then intentionally drove onto the sidewalk to run over her, her mother, and a relative. Cruz-Gomez was charged with murder, and authorities revealed his history of illegal residency and prior ICE custody, but he had disappeared after being released from detention.

The surge in violence may be linked to shifts in police deployment, with detectives in specialized units being reassigned to foot patrols across different areas to manage broader crime. This change is thought to have caused a shift from strategic prevention to reactive policing, potentially allowing violence to migrate from other boroughs.

City officials and community leaders have pointed to staffing shortages, with recruitment and retention struggles impacting police presence. The NYPD acknowledges the rise but emphasizes ongoing efforts to deploy officers where needed most, aiming to keep crime at historically low levels citywide. Local officials warn that a lack of police personnel is contributing to the current spike in violence, reminiscent of more troubled times in the past.